Chris Lombardi puts defense and security under the spotlight, as he shares his takes on recent NATO and EU cooperation and provides insight into the company’s own long-term strategic partnerships in Europe.

Three trends are currently driving the global electricity sector: decarbonization, decentralization and differentiation. Utilities are making significant contributions to mitigate carbon emissions, while a technology revolution is …

IN BRIEF

JUNIOR ministers from the UK, Luxembourg and Austria visited Algeria this week, but achieved little. Algiers continued to reject offers of humanitarian help and refused to allow a team of United Nations’ inspectors to investigate the recent massacres. “We had hoped that the Algerian government would agree to issue an invitation to the UN special rapporteurs but they were not ready to do so. We regret this,” said UK junior Foreign Minister Derek Fatchett.

European Voice

1/21/98, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 2:51 AM CET

THE EU this week expressed concern over the decision by Turkey’s constitutional court to ban the Islamist welfare party, the country’s largest political movement. “The EU is concerned at the implications for democratic pluralism and freedom of expression, and hopes that Turkey will make clear its continuing commitment to these fundamental democratic principles,” said the British presidency in a statement.

HUNGARY has begun talks on extending the mandate of the members of its constitutional court until the end of EU membership negotiations. Premier Gyula Horn said it was essential for the court to maintain continuity until the end of the process. “If the members are replaced too quickly, new judges will not have enough time to learn the necessary things This could shake a pillar of EU accession,” said court president Laszlo Solyom.

THE UK presidency this week commended the work of the United Nations’ transitional administration for eastern Slavonia after Croatia regained control of the region. It congratulated Croatia and the local community on “the peaceful reintegration of the region”, adding: “The Union calls on all Croatian citizens, Serbs and Croats alike, to see the conclusion of the UN mandate as marking a new era of cooperation.”

SOCIAL Democrat Milorad Dodik has become prime minister of the Republika Srpska, and – to EU delight – formed a government of national unity with Moslem allies in the Moslem-Croat Federation. Hardline leader and indicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic failed to form a viable coalition.